tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post115893565211830702..comments2024-03-18T12:52:48.117-07:00Comments on Mini-Microsoft: Moderation Problems - AdministriviaWho da'Punkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18205453956191063442noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159605293127270402006-09-30T01:34:00.000-07:002006-09-30T01:34:00.000-07:00Holy crap. I left Microsoft about 2 years ago; I ...Holy crap. I left Microsoft about 2 years ago; I quit an 8 year blue badge position and came back as a contractor.<BR/><BR/>Surprisingly (well, not so surprisingly, now) I found out that I was treated better, more highly respected, and better paid as a contractor. Plus, I was not expected to 'swallow the pill' and work 60 hour weeks.<BR/><BR/>My decision to leave MS wasn't really about money or hours, however. It was about dissatisfaction with the company's direction and focus (or lack thereof).<BR/><BR/>I'm no Slashdotter, full of swearwords and invective about what I don't understand; I truly LIKED Microsoft, thought it had some great products (I was lucky enough to work on the Visual Studio team during the Everett-Whidbey timeframe) and had a great deal of respect for the technical brilliance of the people working there (the ./ people can rant all they want -- they know nothing; there are some SMART f-in people at MSFT!).<BR/><BR/>But more and more it seemed like upper management wanted to "gild the turd." Instead of really fixing problems, they wanted to slap a pretty new name on it, hire a design firm to put together some attractive Powerpoint presentations, and claim that they were "reinventing everything."<BR/><BR/>As an example, I came back to work as a contractor at MSN Search. One of the questions asked again and again was "why are we losing to Google so badly?" The answer -- both from user feedback and from internal debate -- was twofold; (1) our search relevance simply sucked. Google a topic and the odds are pretty good that the first five results will hold at least one hit that is dead-on what you wanted. MSN Search it and... well, you'll get the most odd, random crap. (2) MSN Search was seen as primarily a way to get ad revenue. Meaning that when we had feature meetings, the first question asked wasn't "how can we deliver a better search experience," but "how can we put more ads on the page, in places where the users HAVE to look at them?" I swear that they were about to resurrect the <BLINK> tag...<BR/><BR/>And this is typical; unfortunately, the powers-that-be at Microsoft haven't been about innovation or truly wowing the customer for a long, long time. It's all about lock-in and chasing the almighty buck, as well as getting good review scores.<BR/><BR/>I read an article about 5 years ago that really resonated with me. At the time I was still blue badge. The article stated that Microsoft was in danger of becoming entirely self-referential; in other words, of becoming entirely driven by forces inside Microsoft (politics, reviews, etc.) I see that strongly; our concern for the customer went away, and the most important issues became reviewable metrics and quarterly budgets. That's corporate suicide.<BR/><BR/>So... I'm sad -- but unsurprised -- to hear that it sounds like not much has changed at MSFT in the two years since I left. It sounds like it's still a hugely powerful corporate beast -- with enormous potential -- that's locked into an endless cycle of corporate navel-gazing.<BR/><BR/>The gilding on the turd is quite thick by this point. Sad.<BR/><BR/>I just hope they don't kill .Net. I really LIKE .Net (C# is what Java SHOULD have been...)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159488647025962442006-09-28T17:10:00.000-07:002006-09-28T17:10:00.000-07:00Pray tell more, who sent this email and to which a...<I>Pray tell more, who sent this email and to which audience? Hopefully this is not a cruel joke, as this reform is badly needed </I><BR/><BR/>I am not the original poster but anyway...It was first sent to Managers only on Monday, but I think the whole Company got it today.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159487614902091172006-09-28T16:53:00.000-07:002006-09-28T16:53:00.000-07:00"It was said: Well, there's no denying it now, Min..."It was said: Well, there's no denying it now, Mini. Your blog has a big influence over HR. I got the e-mail today announcing changes to the internal interview process, and it maps almost directly to your suggestions. <BR/><BR/>Pray tell more, who sent this email and to which audience? Hopefully this is not a cruel joke, as this reform is badly needed."<BR/><BR/>I've seen this secondhand from someone else in our larger group, whose manager sent it to her team. So apparently it's true! But certainly hasn't been broadly announced in any way. I guess they prefer that this one "trickles out" so there isn't a stampede for the door. (Or less of a stampede? A phased stampede?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159418827493725912006-09-27T21:47:00.000-07:002006-09-27T21:47:00.000-07:00It was said: Well, there's no denying it now, Mini...It was said: <I>Well, there's no denying it now, Mini. Your blog has a big influence over HR. I got the e-mail today announcing changes to the internal interview process, and it maps almost directly to your suggestions. </I><BR/><BR/>Pray tell more, who sent this email and to which audience? Hopefully this is not a cruel joke, as this reform is badly needed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159405824235465522006-09-27T18:10:00.000-07:002006-09-27T18:10:00.000-07:00I recommend this blog to all potential MS employee...I recommend this blog to all potential MS employees that I meet. Having spent 7+ years there, I believe it to be an invaluable resource on the true interal life at Microsoft. Your insight and commitment to the company evidenced by your work on this blog has instituted true change. I am hopeful that you will continue in spite of the occasional misstep [I once had a boss outside of MS who told me that if I did not make mistakes it meant that I was not working effectively in his book] and in the face of inconsiderate criticism. I finally made my way out of a terrible situation at Microsoft and, to my regret, I had to leave the company to do so. This blog inspired me with the reassurance that my situation was not unique, that I was not crazy, and that, in spite of its failings in my case, Microsoft is a great company. These are not words that I use lightly: You are my hero and I deeply appreciate your continuing with this forum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159314636867135762006-09-26T16:50:00.000-07:002006-09-26T16:50:00.000-07:00Well, there's no denying it now, Mini. Your blog h...Well, there's no denying it now, Mini. Your blog has a big influence over HR. I got the e-mail today announcing changes to the internal interview process, and it maps almost directly to your suggestions. Congratulations, and keep up the good work oh great "He Who Cannot Be Named"!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159253342890463642006-09-25T23:49:00.000-07:002006-09-25T23:49:00.000-07:009+ years here, first time poster etc.Glad I never ...9+ years here, first time poster etc.<BR/>Glad I never saw the google ad/sun whatever urinal mats. Embarrassing.<BR/>Mini, was a little worried after your company meeting (lack of) comments - SUPER-excited you're back! SUPER-EXCITED I tell you!<BR/>Heard some partner-wannabe bleating 'best company meeting ever'. Well, pay me a Grand and I'll say anything. I'll say it on the internal very-private blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159162588958438452006-09-24T22:36:00.000-07:002006-09-24T22:36:00.000-07:00Regarding those urinal ads, there were a few days ...Regarding those urinal ads, there were a few days 4 or 5 years ago when building 40 had Sun Microsystem logo urinal mats.<BR/><BR/>This isn't high school, show some class. This sort of thing is incredibly amaturish and unprofessional. It is an embarassment.<BR/><BR/>Find the person who thinks that "pissing on the competition" is funny or in any way a good idea and fire the immature bastard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159156372373184892006-09-24T20:52:00.000-07:002006-09-24T20:52:00.000-07:00It's unfair and demoralizing to categorize 4.0 and...<I>It's unfair and demoralizing to categorize 4.0 and 3.5 employees along with 3.0's in a single label called "achieved".<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>"Exceeded" is not what 4.5 used to be. I was proud to receive "exceeded" rating; I was not so proud when the payout was 3.5%/10%, no promo. Want to know about my motivation?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159155513540078922006-09-24T20:38:00.000-07:002006-09-24T20:38:00.000-07:00Personally, I don't have a problem with the Apple ...Personally, I don't have a problem with the Apple parody ads. They're no more silly or immature than the original Apple ads they parody and those were broadcast to the public.<BR/><BR/>If anything, our advertising is too understated. Name the last MS ad that didn't make you think "bleah".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159143767417654472006-09-24T17:22:00.000-07:002006-09-24T17:22:00.000-07:00"At least you haven't reached the lows of placing ..."At least you haven't reached the lows of placing a "Google AdWorks Rocks" mat in the urinals for the Microsoft employees to piss on. How sad is that?"<BR/><BR/>Let's talk about those urinal ads.<BR/> <BR/>WTF? It makes me embarrassed to be associated with this company. So immature and stupid. Unless, of course, the urinal ads are some new adCenter beta dogfood, in which case, I personally stand corrected on any criticism I may have offered that MS can't innovate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159140032646949272006-09-24T16:20:00.000-07:002006-09-24T16:20:00.000-07:00"I think the main issue is not so much with manage...<I>"I think the main issue is not so much with managers but the way 'people management' has evolved." <BR/><BR/>"I have seen real nice people whom i enjoyed working with so much become absolute nightmares the moment they became a lead."</I><BR/><BR/>You know, people are not born into managerhood. The skills necessary to motivate and nurture the daily lives of one's reports need to be <B>taught</B>.<BR/><BR/>What surprises me so, is that a company as big and bright as Microsoft may not understand this.<BR/><BR/>Each and every manager at MSFT should attend and pass an ongoing management course.<BR/><BR/>This course should teach that people are motivated mostly by recognition, fairness and a clear path to advancement; that they will be treated fairly, equally and with respect; that teamwork and cooperation are essential; that truth is highly regarded; that feedback is essential; that one will be provided with all of the tools necessary to complete one's tasks.<BR/><BR/>Oh, there are more but my point is that there should be a corporate management training program that is followed by all MSFT managers and embraced by top management that is continually upgraded and that measures the effectiveness of managers on a "people" level as well as a "project" level.<BR/><BR/>Then, and only then, can there be a way of developing trust, morale, fairness and job advancement among the rank and file.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159136906517011662006-09-24T15:28:00.000-07:002006-09-24T15:28:00.000-07:00Here's a little tip for you Mini-Microsoft readers...Here's a little tip for you Mini-Microsoft readers. If you tell your manager that you're leaving the team because of frustration with your review, and he responds with "but the next year on this team will provide much opportunity for you", what he means is that the next year on this team will provide much opportunity to do work on the team, not much opportunity to be rewarded on the team. Don't be fooled.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159135655484285532006-09-24T15:07:00.000-07:002006-09-24T15:07:00.000-07:00>> Don't listen to the critics, Mini.This is the t...>> Don't listen to the critics, Mini.<BR/><BR/>This is the type of advice one can expect from someone pretending to be a friend. Subscribing to this line of thinking *is* a surefire way to lose your credibility and any potential future impact. Be careful, sir.<BR/><BR/>I've been with Microsoft 8 years and have enjoyed every company meeting to-date. I'm not based in Seattle so I've had to watch most of them remotely, save one which I attended in person with my wife who also works for Microsoft, and another MS friend. We all took 2 vacation days, bought plane tickets with our own money, and made the pilgrimage to the company meeting. So, yes, I am one of the many MSofties who love the company meeting and are energized by it each year!! <BR/><BR/>In my opinion, this year's meeting was better than most. We saw how we're all very concretely making a difference in people's lives through our technology and through our charitable contributions. It also highlighted a great set of forward-looking products, and set the tone for a great release cycle in FY07 with Vista, Zune, and Office 2007 leading the way.<BR/><BR/>I take issue with those comments blasting the "People-Ready" theme. Have these people seen the new commercials, yet?!? If they have, I can't help but sense a bit of short-sightedness. Personally, the "People-Ready" theme resonates with business decision makers more than saying "Your Potential, Our Passion" which really did not concretely show how.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159129938414303672006-09-24T13:32:00.000-07:002006-09-24T13:32:00.000-07:00For people worried about Mini posting information ...For people worried about Mini posting information about soon to be released products see this link <BR/><BR/>http://ia.rediff.com/news/2006/sep/24leak.htm?q=tp&file=.htm<BR/><BR/>Microsoft hired a person who has been arrested for selling national secrets and jeopardising the interests of the nation. From the contents of the article it looks like the hiring team was aware of the person's deeds but still hired her. Seems like a big hiring scandal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159126564866070942006-09-24T12:36:00.000-07:002006-09-24T12:36:00.000-07:00Lisa is a typical partner. She claims credit and g...Lisa is a typical partner. She claims credit and gets promoted for other people's ideas.<BR/><BR/>I thought she mentioned more than once that there was a team of smart people working on these problems?<BR/><BR/>--<BR/>Err.. you mean smart consultants? Who took 4million SPSA for the work of consultants and HRIT?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159123914487209452006-09-24T11:51:00.000-07:002006-09-24T11:51:00.000-07:00Mini, keep it up. I am a long term employee of Mic...Mini, keep it up. I am a long term employee of Microsoft and I have read your comments for several years.<BR/><BR/>I will post on the internal blog and make my comments known. If they wish to track me down, so be it. I can afford legal representation.<BR/><BR/>There is a sickness in Microsoft and it is pure greed. LisaB condones this attitude and pushes this through the HR hierarchy.<BR/><BR/>Keep working at Microsoft, keep highlighting the issues and most importantly keep this site up as it tells many truths about Microsoft that senior management would prefer to keep hidden.<BR/><BR/>At least you haven't reached the lows of placing a "Google AdWorks Rocks" mat in the urinals for the Microsoft employees to piss on. How sad is that?<BR/><BR/>Keep up the SUPER work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159119123554103292006-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:002006-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00Mini, don't worry about "surface computing". Anyon...Mini, don't worry about "surface computing". Anyone who knows how to use Google (which potty mouthed dimwits who yell at you obviously don't) would find this link as the first hit for "playtable":<BR/><BR/>http://scobleizer.wordpress.com/2006/01/04/bill-gates-keynote-at-ces-just-started/<BR/><BR/>Someone, report this BillG dude to LCA, I think we need to take action here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159110855127421552006-09-24T08:14:00.000-07:002006-09-24T08:14:00.000-07:00Exceeded ~ 4.5Achieved ~ 3.0, 3.5, 4.0Underperform...<I>Exceeded ~ 4.5<BR/>Achieved ~ 3.0, 3.5, 4.0<BR/>Underperformed ~ 2.5<BR/><BR/>Also, when employees discuss with management about their low review compensation, management can now easily say, "How can MS reward you more if you just achieved? You only did your job." </I><BR/><BR/>The depressing part of this is that the result of the review model changes (which resulted in the masses receiving less, and a few receiving more) will play to human nature. For the same reason that true communism doesn't work, this will cause all the people who continually get the middle rating to just do 3.0 work instead of 3.5 or 4.0 work. More than just lumping 4.0 performers in with 3.0 receivers, it encourages 4.0 performers to do no more than the 3.0 receivers.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure not what HR planned, but give this a few years and MS will be more polarized than it is today (hard to believe, but I'll take odds on it).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159099361701710862006-09-24T05:02:00.000-07:002006-09-24T05:02:00.000-07:00(Long time reader, first time poster). It is inter...(Long time reader, first time poster). It is interesting to me the number of “hang it up, mini” posts that have popped up here in the last week. Each pretty much contains the same talking points. <BR/>What they all miss is that this blog isn’t about mini – If he/she got hit by a bus this afternoon, someone (not anyone, but someone) could step in and maintain a very similar public forum. Most (but not all) of the “pro-mini” commenters say something along the lines of “we need this”, not “we need you mini” (“…and we love you, and are naming our first born son after you…”). This is not a cult of mini personality, folks…it’s a cult of people who want to see Microsoft get on its feet again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159091543713463732006-09-24T02:52:00.000-07:002006-09-24T02:52:00.000-07:00In Mini We Trust!In Mini We Trust!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159081814739982202006-09-24T00:10:00.000-07:002006-09-24T00:10:00.000-07:00It's unfair and demoralizing to categorize 4.0 and...<I>It's <B>unfair and demoralizing</B> to categorize 4.0 and 3.5 employees along with 3.0's in a single label called "achieved".</I><BR/><BR/>Amen to that!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159081771315720682006-09-24T00:09:00.000-07:002006-09-24T00:09:00.000-07:00Lisa is a typical partner. She claims credit and g...<I>Lisa is a typical partner. She claims credit and gets promoted for other people's ideas.</I><BR/><BR/>I thought she mentioned more than once that there was a team of smart people working on these problems? <BR/><BR/>I didn't hear her take all of the credit for anything, at least not at the company meeting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159080539421185172006-09-23T23:48:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:48:00.000-07:00> There's something wrong with the new rating syst...> There's something wrong with the new rating system. <BR/><BR/>Yep, so the only differentiator between a 3.0 and a 4.0 is the non-public financial rewards package one gets. <BR/><BR/>It seems like there's actually more room for dishonesty in this new system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7555958.post-1159076722860263702006-09-23T22:45:00.000-07:002006-09-23T22:45:00.000-07:00There's something wrong with the new rating system...There's something wrong with the new rating system. In the past, we had to following rating system:<BR/><BR/>4.5 - You're a god!<BR/>4.0 - Exceptional work<BR/>3.5 - Above average work<BR/>3.0 - You did what was expected of you<BR/>2.5 - You did not meet up to the basic expectation<BR/><BR/>With the new rating system, upper management (with HR guidance/training) explained to us that:<BR/><BR/>Exceeded ~ 4.5<BR/>Achieved ~ 3.0, 3.5, 4.0<BR/>Underperformed ~ 2.5<BR/><BR/>If you're like me and you think that doing a 4.0 work will get you an "exceeded" rating, you're wrong. Na-ah! Management explained that "exceeded" is rare and it's equivalent to a 4.5.<BR/><BR/>It's unfair and demoralizing to categorize 4.0 and 3.5 employees along with 3.0's in a single label called "achieved".<BR/><BR/>Also, when employees discuss with management about their low review compensation, management can now easily say, "How can MS reward you more if you just achieved? You only did your job." <BR/><BR/>I have the feeling we got fooled by myMicrosoft.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com